International Work Demands and Employee Well-Being and Performance [dataset]

Hailey A. Herleman, Thomas W. Britt
2011 PsycEXTRA Dataset   unpublished
Today's global workplace is growing in size and scope, creating a demand to integrate strategies and research in the field of international management (Bjorkman & Stahl, 2006) . In the present study I argue for a more comprehensive understanding of the demands that employees face when engaged in international work responsibilities along with an analysis of the relationships between international work demands and important outcomes. The current project includes both a qualitative and
more » ... study utilizing separate samples. The qualitative study identifies positive and negative aspects of international work demands for employees. In addition, the qualitative study investigates sources of support for employees engaged in international work along with perceived individual qualifications for dealing with international work demands. The quantitative study is the first to define, describe, and measure international work demands. In addition, an organizational stress framework is tested as a basis for understanding the relationships between international work demands and employee well being, job satisfaction, and performance. Finally, three individual and organizational resources: experience, self-monitoring, and perceived organizational support for international work, are examined as possible moderators of the proposed relationships. A robust test of the model was conducted utilizing multiple applied samples, multiple sources of data, and SEM analyses. Results indicated that international work demands can be appraised by workers as more or less challenging or threatening. In addition, the appraisals of international work demands are related to positive and negative psychological states for workers. Finally, both positive and negative psychological states were related to job iii satisfaction but not to performance. The constructs of international work experience and self-monitoring significantly moderated the relationship between international work demands and appraisals although not all interactions were in the predicted direction. Overall, the two studies provide preliminary evidence that international work demands are relevant to workers today, that challenge and threat appraisals of these demands at work are happening and have differential relationships with important outcomes, and finally that some individual resources should be considered as moderators of the relationship between demands and the appraisal of those demands by workers. iv DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my husband Matthew Herleman. His friendship, love, and eternal optimism provided me with much needed strength and support. In this endeavor as in all others we were partners. Also to our son, Blaise Camden Herleman, who provides me each day with a reminder of why we work so hard. In this endeavor, and down the roads where it leads, I work to provide a better world for him. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My dissertation reflects the generosity, guidance, and effort of many individuals, but I would like to thank first and foremost my advisor, Dr. Tom Britt. His insight, guidance, and support made this ambitious project possible. Also, I would like to thank the members of my dissertation committee. Dr. Pat Raymark provided key insights into my logic when I failed to see them. Dr. Patrick Rosopa provided a keen eye for detail and unique perspective. Finally, Dr. DeWayne Moore provided invaluable guidance and support through the complex quantitative analysis included in this dissertation. I have learned from each of them and to each I am grateful. In addition, I would like to acknowledge a number of additional collaborators on the project. Numerous individuals within the College of Business and Behavioral Science at Clemson University were instrumental in helping me identify groups to survey included Meredith McTigue and Gail DePriest. Also, members of the human resources divisions of two large organizations, who are not identified directly in this paper, were also very generous in the time and resources they dedicated to help make this project a success. Words cannot express my gratitude. Also, a relatively large group of graduate and undergraduate students contributed substantially to the analysis of qualitative data for this dissertation. This group included
doi:10.1037/e518362013-786 fatcat:adopq4sn3bhezirreyenccmfli